In Rwanda, amputee football is emerging as a transformative force for women, offering more than just a competitive sport. Over the past decade, this seven-a-side version of football—where players move across the field on crutches and goalkeepers often play with one arm—has steadily gained popularity, fostering a sense of community, confidence, and resilience among its participants.

For many players, such as Nyiraneza Solange, the sport has been a catalyst for personal empowerment. Solange described her earlier hesitation to engage with society without her prosthesis, often feeling compelled to hide her disability out of fear of judgment. Now, through amputee football, she reports a newfound freedom and confidence, expressing that she no longer worries about others’ reactions to her amputation.

The sport requires participants to adapt to their physical limitations while developing technique and endurance. Goalkeeper Nikuze Angelique highlighted the challenges she faces during games, particularly when making saves on the side of her weaker hand. Despite this, she emphasised that consistent training has allowed her to manage and improve her performance.

Advocates and supporters emphasize that the benefits of amputee football extend far beyond athletic achievement. Fred Sorrels, manager of Haiti’s women’s amputee football team, pointed to the psychological and mental health advantages the sport provides. According to Sorrels, amputee football offers participants an opportunity for healing and a renewed sense of wellness by fostering inclusion and a sense of wholeness.

As amputee football continues to expand in Rwanda, it is becoming a vital platform for social inclusion, emotional healing, and the dismantling of stigma surrounding disability. The sport’s growth signifies not only a developing athletic community but also a broader effort to empower women living with amputations across the country.